Kindakirjad: Everything Not Saved Will Be
Uploaded To The Cloud [2019-20]
knitted acrylic, 15x15cm (irreg.) and graphite on paperExhibited in Three Foot Square & The Anti-Annual, Join-The-Dots
‘Everything Not Saved Will Be Uploaded To The Cloud’ questions the ways in which archival practices, memory loss and digital technology have questioned the ways in which cultural traditions and communal memory are represented within contemporary life. Inspired by the work of Susan Kare and traditional Estonian woven kindakirjad [mitten patterns] whose motifs traditionally originate from daily life, commerce, agriculture and folk culture. In Estonia these patterns continue to evolve and iterate over time with trends and aesthetic demands slowly overtaking their use as spiritually-laden objects. In my speculative fiction, I try to imagine what spiritualism would look like in a distant digital dark age where appropriated patterns provide protection from reality.
In these fourpatterns; helikiri [noise pattern], hoiukiri [saviour pattern], laadimiskiri [download pattern], otskiri [searching pattern], these speculative works examine how digital technology increasingly plays a role in cross-cultural communication and contemporary spirituality.
helikiri [noise pattern]
15x15cm (irreg.)
Traditional geometric motif are interwoven with symbols representing sound, volume
and voice. Given to young children entering Primary, this would often be woven into a scarf or belt to give the wearer confidence and a strong, loud voice. It was also believed to clear the mind from distraction and help with colds and sore throats.
hoiukiri [saviour pattern]
20x15cm (irreg.)
Boxed patterns resembling analogue books and a ‘floppy’ symbolise the notion of
archiving, protection and nostalgia. This would be sewn into clothes and bedlinen of newborns and pregnant women to protect and save both child and mother. (Note: the cross motif denoting obvious religious signifiance)
laadimiskiri [download pattern]
16x16cm (irreg.)
The hourglass pattern would be given to individuals, likely family, close friends
or neighbours, grieiving or burderne with a task, wherein the giver takes on a portion of the receivers responsibility. This gift would be expected to be returned sometime later and can be considered equivalent to a symbolic gesture of a favour. The horned symbol is a traditional motif that represents the omnipresent eye that observes everyone, looking out for their needs and wants, and is a familiar sight along city streets.
otskiri [searching pattern]
18x18cm (irreg.)
Traditionally worn by unmarried indiviudals leaving home for study, travel, work or other reasons, primarily travelling overseas. The otsikiri would guide the wearer with favourable winds and clear weather. The garment itself would always point back home like a compass so as to not let the wearer get lost whilst abroad. The pattern itself resembles interlinked people, hand in hand, to remind individuals of their family and the everlasting bond and connection they share with them. Often this bond would come in the form of monetary assistance whilst working abroad.